New Ja Morant Trade Rumors on Potential Landing Spots, Grizzlies' Approach to Deadline Talks

Ja Morant was once the face of the Memphis Grizzlies, but that doesn't mean his trade market will reflect that fact.

According to Kevin O'Connor of Yahoo Sports, "NBA sources don't expect Morant's market to be too much different than it was for Trae Young, who was dealt to the Wizards for just an expiring contract in CJ McCollum and a solid role player in Corey Kispert. But the Hawks preferred short-term or expiring deals. Memphis is taking the opposite approach: Executives around the league say the Grizzlies are signaling a willingness to take on bad contracts, if it means being compensated with young players or picks. But the Grizzlies aren't going to get that much for Morant. Think pick swaps, not unprotected firsts. Think moderate bets on rookie contracts, not exciting young players. Even getting those assets might require Memphis to take on bad money in return.

"There are only three kinds of Ja buyers: Stuck-in-the-middle teams hunting a shortcut, desperate franchises, and gamblers who think their structure can fix any talent."

Wherever the 26-year-old Morant lands, a change of scenery feels inevitable. The trajectory of his time in Memphis has bent that way for several years now.

The marriage started off great. He was the Rookie of the Year in the 2019-20 campaign and a two-time All-Star within his first four seasons, leading the Grizzlies to the playoffs three times in that span. He very quickly emerged as one of the most exciting players in the NBA, renowned for his slashing drives to the basket and gravity-defying dunks.

But off-court issues, injury woes and clashes with more than one coaching staff have dampened the once immaculate vibes. The fact that much of it has happened while Morant is on a five-year, $197.2 million contract hasn't helped.

This year's 17-22 record, especially after reaching the postseason a year ago, has only amplified the underlying issues. It's also possible that trading Morant could usher in a full rebuild around the team's younger core.

Time will tell what the Grizzlies get back for Morant, or what moves may follow. But at this point, it's hard to see a scenario where he remains in Memphis.